Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

A Study on Gender Stereotypes in Illustrations of Senior High School English Textbooks —A Case Study of Beijing Normal University Press Compulsory Textbooks

Jialu LiHongKong Education University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Current research on gender representation in English textbook illustrations in China primarily focuses on nationally used textbooks such as People's Education Press and Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press versions, with insufficient attention to other textbooks. To address this gap, this study examines three compulsory English textbooks (2019 edition) published by Beijing Normal University Press, widely used in Beijing, employing content analysis to investigate 120 gender-identifiable illustrations from four dimensions. The findings reveal that while the total number of female illustrations is higher, males appear more frequently; occupational distribution shows horizontal segregation and vertical segregation; females dominate behavioral frequencies in family scenarios; and male outstanding figures are more numerous, mostly pre-20th-century figures. The study indicates implicit gender bias in Beijing Normal University Press Compulsory English textbooks, emphasizing the need for adapted gender review mechanisms for English textbooks. It also suggests that compilation departments should optimize strategies through role diversification, timeliness, and scenario balance.

Keywords: senior high school English textbooks; gender stereotypes; regional textbooks; Beijing Normal University Press version
Published: October 23, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.28261
Volume: CHR Vol.84
pp. 8-15
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